1981 Pearson 323 Sloop Sailboat in Mayo, Maryland

Stock #112072

Although located in Canada, due to Canadian regulations, this boat is not available for sale to potential buyers in Canada.

The Pearson 323 was produced by Pearson Yachts in Portsmouth, Rhode Island from 1976 through 1983.

Designed by Bill Shaw, as most Pearsons were, it bucked contemporary design trends of the time by being very focused on its designed purpose rather than following trends to meet IOR rules.

As true innovators in boat building, Pearson Yachts, as we knew it, closed in 1991, with Pearson entering into a new venture with Tillotson as TPI Composites where they developed scrimp technology, then as Pearson Composites, and then it was known as Pearson Marine Group.

Construction and Performance Details:

The only rule to which she was designed was the personal rule of Bill Shaw... that a boat should be safe, attractive, and a delight to sail.

See partial interview on Bill's design philosophy in the mid-80's. Although not explicitly stated in any Pearson literature, the 323 target was the middle of the price market for this size boat.

The money was spent on the structure and functional equipment rather than on the cosmetic bits. This resulted in a solid, thick fiberglass hull, good sailing characteristics and spacious accommodations.

Although no speed demon, the 323 can move at 5 knots in an 8 knot breeze and will cruise near her hull speed as the wind climbs into double digit speeds. The 323 doesn't like to be overpowered, so aggressive use of the reefing systems will keep the boat comfortably moving at top speed.

Conclusion:

The more time one spends on a 323, the more one recognizes its more subtle elements of this thoughtful design.

While she only draws about four-and-a-half feet of water, her ability to point isn't significantly compromised when sailing upwind. Many boats of this size with a displacement of 6.5 tons could be very slow and unresponsive, but the 323 benefits from the stability of large displacement while remaining lively under sail.

This is also one very roomy boat. Although she'll only sleep five (a starboard quarter berth was deleted from the original design in favor of the nav station), the roominess of the cabin and the two spacious cockpit lockers provide more usable space than most other 32-footers.

Overall, it's a design that was well thought out and holds up very well today. How many other things from the 1970's can one say that about?

Information On Condition

This 1981 Pearson 323 sloop is in very good condition. It has been used for day sailor on the Chesapeake for the last few years.

It has a Volvo diesel engine in good operating condition. The upholstery was redone a few years ago and is in like new condition.

This Pearson is a good buy and will give yeoman's service for years to come.

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Financing may not be available for this vessel, due either to its age or category. However, banks are giving marine loans, and we would love to get you started in a discussion about financing.

While we attempt to ensure display of current and accurate data, this advertisement may not reflect the most recent condition of boat and may reflect occasional data entry errors. Information related to boat condition, use, engine hours, storage and maintenance can be difficult to verify (even in person), therefore our company has received and depended on material statements from vessel owner regarding these items. We encourage every buyer to independently hire an accredited marine surveyor to thoroughly inspect any boat prior to purchase. All inventory listed is subject to availability and prior sale. Price does not include transportation, taxes and other applicable charges. Photographs may be representative only and may vary somewhat from the actual items offered for sale.

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